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Meyer Named Distinguished Music Alumna

Contact: Mike Greife
WARRENSBURG - 04/05/2007 -
The UCM Department of Music recently honored Kansas City area business owner Betty Meyer with its Distinguished Music Alumna Award.

Presented during Gala Scholarship Concert

Meyer, who owns and operates Meyer Music Co. with her husband, Ted, received the award during the annual UCM Friends of Music Society Gala Scholarship Concert March 30 on the UCM campus in Warrensburg. The concert was the grand finale of the 2006-2007 Friends of Music Society concert series.

Began Career in Music Education

Betty Meyer, Distinguished Music Alumna,
and Lester Brothers, chair
of the Department of Music

Meyer earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1960 and a Master of Science in Education degree in 1965, both from UCM. After launching a successful teaching career, Betty and Ted, also a UCM alumnus with Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Science in Education degrees, formed Meyer Music Co. in 1966 in Blue Springs, providing quality musical instruments and related materials and private lessons.

Meyer Music Co. Continues to Grow

By the early 1970s, Meyer Music Co. had grown into a flourishing business, with locations eventually established in Overland Park, Kan., and south Kansas City, Mo., and the Meyers became full-time business owners and operators.

Recognized for Community Leadership

Among the many programs and services provided by Meyer Music Co. in support of music education is the program initiated by Betty providing free music lessons to thousands of Girl Scouts, allowing them to earn the music merit badge. The longtime dedication of the Meyers to music education resulted in recognition by the Missouri Music Educators Association with the presentation of the prestigious Russell and Dorothy Chambers Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in the State of Missouri.

Meyer also was voted Outstanding Young Woman of Blue Springs and served a president of the Young Woman’s Civic Club. She also was the first woman to serve on the board of directors of the National Association of Music Merchants.

Support of Alma Mater

Betty Meyer’s dedication to her alma mater was most evident during the last decade through her participating in the college loan program through the auspices of the Kawai Piano Company that placed new pianos in key locations across the UCM campus, free of charge. These pianos then were sold and replaced annually.

A Family Business

Betty and Ted Meyer continue to operate the family business, assisted by their children, Tom, Mike and Mitzi Phelan. Their daughter, Julie Anwander, is an elementary school principal.

47th Award Recipient

As the 47th recipient of the annual UCM Distinguished Music Alumni Award, Betty Meyer’s name will be added to the plaque displayed at the entrance to UCM’s Hart Recital Hall in the Utt Music Building.